Wolff denies Mercedes tried to recruit Ferrari's Binotto

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Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff denied that the Silver Arrows outfit had made an offer to current Ferrari technical director Mattia Binotto.

Last summer, rumors emerged of an internal conflict between Binotto and Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene. The latter set the record straight, insisting the gossip was just "fake news" destined to unsettle Ferrari.

However, last month the Italian media suggested a rift was still in full force at Maranello and that Binotto was considering "offers from various teams", one of which was Mercedes, an allegation Wolff strongly denied.

Disagreements involving Binotto still brewing at Ferrari

"No, we have not offered a contract to Binotto," Wolff told La Gazetta dello Sport's Andrea Cremonesi.

"I can say that he is an excellent engineer, but under the leadership of James Allison, we have a first rate technical team and therefore we are not looking for anyone else."

Mercedes' engineering team has been led by chief designer John Owen following engineering director Aldo Costa's move into a consultancy role last summer.

"Aldo is not just a colleague, but also a friend, he will not leave Mercedes," added Wolff.

"Our team has a dynamic structure, we have to develop and provide young people with opportunities and responsibilities.

"What I like is that no one leaves our team unsatisfied, I can assure you."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.